Ryan Seitz was born December 11‚ 1983‚ in Chillicothe‚ Ohio‚ to Steve and Tonette Seitz. Ryan and his parents resided at Allensville‚ Ohio‚ the home in which Ryan was raised. Ryan attended school at Allensville Elementary and Vinton County Jr. High at Allensville‚ where he was active in Cub Scouts‚ 4-H‚ basketball and baseball‚ and was an honor student. He was very social‚ and this is where he began to form lifelong friendships.

Ryan graduated from Vinton County Consolidated High School in 2002‚ and from Hocking College with an associate degree in computer networking in 2004. Ryan decided to continue his education. He attended Ohio University in Athens for two years‚ then transferred to Franklin University in Columbus‚ where he completed his bachelor’s degree in financial management in December 2009.

While attending college‚ Ryan worked for the Vinton County National Bank in McArthur and Ross County Banking Center in Chillicothe. In 2007‚ he went to work for the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library as their technology coordinator and was later promoted to assistant director as personnel supervisor and technology coordinator. Ryan enjoyed his places of employment and formed many friendships. His love of knowledge‚ books‚ and computers made him a great fit for the library. Ryan grew up attending the Antioch (Kelly) Church. Ryan was instrumental in helping establish broadband communication for the Vinton County Chamber of Commerce.

Ryan joined the McArthur Volunteer Fire Department in the summer of 2010. He was quick to form friendships and trust with his fellow firemen. Ryan was proud to be part of this group. He gained a new respect for these men when he realized how unselfishly they gave of their time to serve their community. Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice‚ giving his life in the line of duty while fighting a brush fire with the McArthur Fire Department‚ providing mutual aid to firefighters in Londonderry‚ Ohio‚ on September 24‚ 2010.

The love of Ryan’s life was Tasha Kisor‚ to whom he was engaged. Ryan and Tasha were a happy couple busy building their life together. They resided in McArthur with their dogs‚ Kiki‚ a teacup Yorkie‚ and Doug‚ a 70-pound greyhound. One of Ryan’s passions was rescuing greyhounds; he adopted Sir Douglas‚ who became an important part of his life. Ryan enjoyed walking Doug and stopping to tell people about the greyhounds.

The community‚ as well as Ryan’s family‚ has suffered a great loss. Ryan was full of life and had an unforgettable smile and blue eyes that we all remember so well. Ryan never knew a stranger and always tried to treat people with the respect they deserved.